Seamus

The problem with having too many things- in this case, books- is that I can’t find what I’m looking for. How am I going to impress you all with my knowledge of random bits, if I don’t know where I’ve put it? Hmm, yes, I do suppose that means that I don’t really know the stuff, I just like having access to it. That’s why I love the internet.

After wondering about Seamus Heaney on the bus the other week, I thought I’d hunt out some of the poetry and remind myself of its wonder. I’d thought I’d be curled up on the sofa, nodding knowledgeably, stroking my metaphorical beard, chewing on the end of a pencil. I thought I knew where the books were. Right there beside the bed. Or in the living room. The shelves are double stacked, but nothing is lost. I don’t think. It’s not a big house. I give loads of books to charity shops, but surely I wouldn’t have given away Seamus?

I did have to revert to the internet after all. Forgive me for the obvious choices- familiarity doesn’t reduce their power, and also, they’re easier to find… (the book turned up later, beside the bed, just like you all predicted)

13 thoughts on “Seamus”

Ramana, you must be a sensible sort. Owning a Kindle does not stop me buying real books. Only yesterday I was putting a new book on a shelf, and discovered an earlier copy of the same book, still unread. I may have a problem…

Jenny and I are very disciplined with our books. They’re all arranged by author under subject so we can always find what we want. But I was looking for John Fowles’ The Collector yesterday and Jenny reminded me we’d thrown it out months ago on the grounds that it was hopelessly sexist. I’d completely forgotten.

I have had many major clear outs of books. I probably have about a third of the shelf space I used to have. I regularly donate bundles to the charity shops. Still, I have never managed to organise what’s left…

I’m forever losing books! I also don’t know how it’s even possible. The other day I took one off the shelf and within a few minutes couldn’t find it! I much later realize I put it back on another shelf…I have no idea why! I love the poetry you’ve shared here, Fiona. Such good choices.

Kate, I am challenged in a different way. Girl1 is an active non reader. She’d rather play sport and be sociable. This is alien to me. My only comfort is that she reads the sports sections of the weekend newspapers.